As a daughter of a BC survivor I have been under family history monitoring with annual mammograms for the last 10yrs. I had my first scare at 21yrs old and now I am 46yrs old and my time ran out with the routine mammogram in Jan spotting my lobular cancer. Thank goodness for the mammogram - I had no symptoms or lump whatsoever.
I was offered a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, but I had had 25yrs preparing for this and my surgeon was amazing and supported a double mastectomy, with right lymph node biopsy and implant reconstruction. I chose implants for now as I have two young kids and a full time job and could not afford the downtime for the alternative.
I had my routine mammogram on 5th Jan, diagnosed on 16th Jan and surgery on 3rd Feb. In between these dates it was my son, daughter and dad's birthdays and so to say I haven't had time to process this is fairly accurate!
I get my results from the biopsies tomorrow as it what future treatment I will need and I am sacred. I am hoping the decision I have made really serves me well in the future and puts my risk very much to the lowest possible.
I guess I am struggling now with the wait but also the sensations are the surgery - the numbness, the itching the 24/7 sports bra, the weight of the implants. Sleep is an issue and the initial feelings of empowerment from my decision is wobbling a bit. I know it's a marathon, not a race but I am really not a good patient!!
Hi Heidi54,
It’s Megan here from Macmillan’s Online Community team. I saw your post and wanted to offer some support while you are waiting for other group members to reply.
I’m sorry to hear what has brought you to join the Community, and I hope it can be a place where you can find comfort from connecting with others who share similar experiences.
I hope your biopsy results gave you good news. If you would like to talk to the Nurses and Support Advisors here at Macmillan, you are very welcome to. They can offer emotional support and information.
The Nurses can talk through your concerns with sleep and surgery side effects. To get in touch with the Nurses, you can post a question in our Ask an expert section on the Community or contact the Macmillan Support Line.
The Support Line is open from 8am to 8pm every day, and to get in touch, please call 0808 808 00 00. There are also the options to send an email or use live webchat during the opening hours.
I hope your employer is being supportive with everything, but if you need some support in the workplace, there is some useful information and guidance on our website.
I’m sure others who feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences will reply soon. In the meantime, I hope the above information can be useful.
If you have any questions about the above or ever need any additional support, please don’t hesitate to get back in touch. You can email community@macmillan.org.uk or send a private message to the Moderator account.
Best wishes,
Megan
Macmillan's Online Community team
